1995 Spain

Learn more about 1995 Spain

Spanish wine makers battled frost, drought and ill-timed rain this vintage, yet managed to produce some spectacular red wines. In Rioja late April frosts were followed by even flowering during May and June, and then a very wet July.

However, August was gloriously hot and the good weather continued throughout much of September and most of October. The grapes ripened perfectly, resulting in full-bodied, deeply coloured wines with good levels of concentration and very good structure.

In Ribera del Duero spring was extremely wet and in then in April the region was hit by severe frosts. However from May onward the weather was perfect, with a long, hot summer, culminating in a warm and predominantly dry autumn. The wines are rich, complex and very well balanced.

The blend here is 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano and the wine was aged for 30 months in barrel of which 60% is American and 40% French. Mirroring the 2004/2005 dichotomy, 1994 and 1995 are still battling it out for supremacy in their decade. This example makes a great case for 1995; its colour has held amazingly, yet the nose and palate are starting to bask in a savoury truffle-filled oasis of earthy delight.Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer